Met Eireann’s long range forecast predicted that on Wednesday night rainfall will turn into “squally showers, some thundery with a risk of hill snow, especially in northern areas”.

“Lows of 3 to 6 degrees generally, but possibly 1 or 2 degrees by dawn in Ulster.”

Thursday is set to be “cool and windy” or perhaps “even stormy about the north Leinster and east Ulster coasts at first”.

“Widespread blustery showers, some thundery with hail and sleet mixed in. Temperatures ranging 6 to 9 degrees but feeling much colder in the strong to near gale force west to northwesterly winds, gradually easing through the afternoon and evening.”

The Met Office in the UK said that stronger winds may develop across parts of “northern England, northern Wales and the north Midlands”.

They added: “Some very strong winds are expected throughout Thursday in association with storm ‘Doris’, with a short period where gusts of 70 to 80 mph are possible.

“Whilst the strongest winds look to be only short-lived, damage to structures, interruptions to power supplies and widespread disruption to travel networks are likely, with a danger of injury from flying debris.”

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